Director Mike Leigh may retire after completing his next film due to illness | Mike Leigh

A film producer Mike Leigh has said that his next film should be his last.

According to IndiewireThe Oscar-nominated writer-director was speaking at the recent Golden Globes in London about his next film Tender Loving Care, a drama that will premiere during the fall festival.

The 83-year-old, whose films include Secrets & Lies, Mr Turner and Another Year, said another film would be “very difficult” and “impossible” due to his health.

Leigh previously reported on myositis, a disease that affects the immune system and causes muscle inflammation.

When asked if Love Care will be his last film, he replied: “Of course.”

The film is a comedy starring Leigh’s old friend Marion Bailey and Widow’s Bay newcomer Kate O’Flynn. Details of the plot are unknown, but it has been described as “an intellectual exploration of the modern world”.

The film will have its Canadian premiere at the Toronto film festival and a world premiere at the Telluride film festival before the announcement.

“I was lucky enough to make this last film – people were very supportive,” he said. “You will see when I wake up, that both of my friends helped me stand up.” So maybe I can’t do much.

Leigh’s last film The Hard Truthwho is with Marianne Jean-Baptiste, was very difficult two years ago. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw called it “the most absurd, tender, tender drama” in a four-star review.

Hard Facts marked the last time Leigh worked with her former cinematographer Dick Pope, who He died in October 2024.